How to Can Tomato Soup 🍅🍲
Canned tomato soup can be enjoyed as an easy meal on busy days, and it’s a great way to avoid store-bought versions filled with preservatives. Follow this step-by-step guide to make and preserve your own tomato soup for future enjoyment.
Ingredients 🥄🍅
- Tomatoes – 6 lbs (preferably Roma or plum tomatoes for a thicker consistency)
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped 🧅
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced 🧄
- Carrots – 2 medium, diced 🥕
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced 🌿
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups (or water for a vegetarian option) 🍲
- Sugar – 1 tablespoon (optional, helps balance acidity)
- Salt – 2 teaspoons 🧂
- Black pepper – 1 teaspoon 🌶️
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons 🍈
- Basil – 1 teaspoon dried or 2 tablespoons fresh (optional) 🌿
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons (for acidity to help preserve) 🍋
- Canning jars – Quart or pint jars (depending on your preference) 🏺
Equipment Needed 🛠️
- Canning jars with lids and rings
- Large pot for cooking soup
- Blender or immersion blender for smooth soup
- Large canning pot for processing the jars
- Jar lifter to safely handle hot jars
- Funnel for easy pouring of hot soup into jars
- Dish towel to wipe the rims of jars
Instructions 🍲
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes 🍅
- Peel the Tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score an “X” at the bottom of each tomato and dip them into the boiling water for 30-60 seconds until the skin begins to peel away. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Peel Off the Skin: After a few minutes, the skins should peel off easily. Remove the skins, then core and chop the tomatoes. Set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Soup Base 🍲
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the peeled, chopped tomatoes to the pot along with the broth (or water). Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer the soup for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should break down and become soft.
Step 3: Blend the Soup 🌀
- Blend the Soup: Once the soup has simmered and all ingredients are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, sugar (if using), basil, and lemon juice to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Prepare for Canning 🏺
- Sterilize the Jars: Wash your canning jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Sterilize the jars by placing them in the dishwasher or by boiling them for 10 minutes.
- Fill Jars: Pour the hot soup into sterilized jars using a canning funnel, leaving about 1-inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean towel to remove any soup residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings just until finger-tight.
Step 5: Process the Jars for Canning 🍋
- Boil the Jars: Place the filled jars into a large canning pot. Ensure the jars are covered with at least an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for about 35 minutes for pint jars or 45 minutes for quart jars.
- Cool the Jars: After processing, remove the jars using jar lifters and place them on a clean dish towel. Let the jars cool at room temperature for 12-24 hours. You should hear a “pop” sound as the lids seal.
Step 6: Store the Soup 🏠
- Once cooled, check the seals of the jars. If the lids are depressed in the center, the jar has sealed correctly. If any jars haven’t sealed, store them in the refrigerator and consume within 3-5 days.
- Label the jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place. Canned tomato soup can last for up to 1 year if properly sealed.
Nutritional Value of Canned Tomato Soup 🍽️
Canned tomato soup can be a great source of essential nutrients, especially if made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional value per 1-cup serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-150 kcal |
| Protein | 2-3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25 grams |
| Fat | 4-6 grams |
| Fiber | 3-5 grams |
| Sugar | 8-10 grams |
| Vitamin A | 25% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 20% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 4% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 5% of Daily Value |
| Sodium | 500-700 mg |
Health Benefits of Tomato Soup 🍅💪
- Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. 🍅❤️
- Supports Digestion: The fiber in tomato soup can help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. 🌱💩
- Boosts Immunity: Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. 🍊💪
- Hydrating: With a high water content, tomato soup helps keep your body hydrated, especially during the colder months. 💧
- Good for Skin Health: The vitamin A in tomatoes is excellent for skin health, promoting a glowing complexion. 🌟
Storage Tips for Canned Tomato Soup 🧑🍳
- Cool and Dry Place: Store your canned tomato soup in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cellar works great.
- Label the Jars: Always label your jars with the date and contents to keep track of your stock.
- Check Seals: If any jars have improperly sealed lids, refrigerate them and consume within a few days.
FAQ: Common Questions About Canning Tomato Soup ❓🍲
1. How long will canned tomato soup last?
Properly canned tomato soup can last for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Be sure to check the seals to ensure freshness. 🌟
2. Can I can tomato soup without a pressure canner?
Yes, you can water-bath can tomato soup if you add enough acid (like lemon juice or citric acid) to ensure safe canning. Always follow reliable canning guidelines. 🧑🍳
3. Can I add cream to my tomato soup before canning?
It’s best not to add cream before canning. Cream can cause issues with the sealing process and reduce shelf life. Add cream after you open the jar. 🍶
4. Can I freeze tomato soup instead of canning it?
Yes, you can freeze tomato soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. 🧊
5. Can I can tomato soup using other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to follow proper canning guidelines for each addition. 🥒🌶️
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Tomato Soup 🍲🍅
Canning tomato soup is a fun and rewarding way to preserve fresh flavors and enjoy homemade comfort food at any time. It’s a great option for busy days when you want a healthy, homemade meal without a lot of effort. Plus, nothing beats the rich taste of homemade tomato soup made with fresh ingredients.
By following the steps in this guide, you can create and store delicious tomato soup that will last for months. So, gather your ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy the satisfaction of having homemade soup ready at your fingertips! 🌿👩🍳🍅